By Cassandra West
Filmmakers hope audience will be moved to action We asked two filmmakers whose documentaries are 2016 One Earth Film Festival Official Selections what's the one inspiration they hope audiences will take away after seeing their works. Both will be attending screenings of their films this weekend.
Alexis Aurigemma, “The Sustainable”—
We want people to take away an awareness of the benefits of implementing the types of technologies the Stocks [couple whose home is featured in “The Sustainable”] have in their home, such as active solar and wind power, but also realize the utilization of other technologies such as using a passive solar design, insulated panels and alternate heating and cooling system can really make a difference in just HOW MUCH energy one uses in the first place.
“The Sustainable” screens 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 6, at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave. Oak Park, IL
“The Sustainable” features a married couple from Saratoga Springs, NY, who wanted to build their dream home on a piece of property they love. The only problem? It will cost them $70,000 to put up the power lines needed to reach their house. Instead of bowing to the power companies, The Stocks decide to take a road less traveled.
John Murray, “A Farmer’s Road”—
"The most important thing I'd like audiences to take away after seeing A Farmer's Road is to take action. It's always nice to enjoy a well-made film for its entertainment value, but unless audiences take action, then the advocacy part of documentary film falls short." Examples might include joining a CSA and/or shopping at their local farmers’ market. Getting involved to understand how their food is grown and raised is a great first step. Ultimately, I'm hoping for them to make lifestyle changes and begin having a relationship with the source of their food. That single action can have a positive cascading effect. By keeping their dollars local, they are, in turn, not only helping their local economy, but also the environment by supporting those who care about the air they breathe and the water they drink. It doesn't happen overnight, but a few small steps to begin can have a wonderful effect in the right direction.
“A Farmer’s Road” screens 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 6, Oak Park Main Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL
“A Farmer’s Road” tells the story of two PhD soil scientists who trade the security of academic tenure at a renowned research university for the relentless challenges and economic uncertainty of operating a Grade A goat dairy and farmstead creamery in central Illinois.